HOSPICE: OIG Finds Startling 82 Percent Error Rate in Hospice Billing, Accounting for $1.8 Billion

Why This Topic Matters

Hospice organizations need to understand both the compliance risks highlighted by the OIG and the documentation expectations tied to Medicare certification and recertification. The article helps readers gauge whether their internal review and physician documentation processes may need attention.

Article Sections

1. OIG hospice billing compliance findings

   Summarizes the OIG review of hospice claims for beneficiaries in nursing facilities and the broad compliance issues identified in the report. It also touches on internal quality assurance considerations for hospice organizations.

2. CMS update to hospice certification statements

   Explains the Medicare rule change affecting hospice certification and recertification documentation. The section addresses the general documentation format and authorship expectations for the physician narrative.